POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 45-year-old man was killed when he was struck by a train at Crewe.

The incident happened shortly before 9.45pm on May 1 on the track at Betley Road, Crewe.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: 'The driver of a freight train, which was travelling at about 75mph saw a man standing very close to the track that his train was on.

'Although he did not feel any impact, he stopped at the next signal and reported the incident.'

Inspector Sefton Sadio, head of the British Transport Police at Crewe, said: 'Whatever the circumstances, we can only repeat our warnings of how dangerous it is to be anywhere near the railway tracks.'

The man who died has not been named but police have confirmed he came from Madeley Heath in Staffordshire.

He was wearing a grey sweatshirt, light trousers, black shoes and black jacket with reflective stripes.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the man prior to the incident.

Anyone with information should call British Transport Police at Crewe on 01270 532 400 or 0800 405 040.